State Fayre has raised the bar for festival food in 2026 after unveiling the full line-up for The FUME Pit, a spectacular live-fire barbecue experience that promises to be one of the festival's biggest attractions.

Taking place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford from 26–28 June 2026, the inaugural festival is combining a major music line-up with an ambitious food programme curated by FUME, bringing together award-winning pitmasters, internationally recognised barbecue chefs and some of the UK's most respected live-fire cooking specialists.

Alongside headline performances from Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette and The Lumineers, visitors can enjoy world-class barbecue, live cooking demonstrations, food competitions and special guest appearances, making State Fayre one of the most unique new festivals on the UK calendar.

The FUME Pit: A Culinary Extravaganza

The FUME Pit at State Fayre 2026 will feature an impressive lineup of food traders, including stars like KG BBQ from Austin, Texas, and James Peck of the acclaimed wood-fired restaurant Ember. Attendees can expect a diverse range of offerings, from open-flame theatre to plant-based delights, ensuring a tantalizing experience for all.

Live-Fire Cooking Spectacle

One of the highlights of The FUME Pit will be the largest live-fire cooking display ever witnessed in the UK, showcasing giant BBQ rigs and epic cooking setups. The spectacle aims to captivate audiences and elevate the festival experience to new heights.

Expanding the Musical Landscape

State Fayre 2026 has also expanded its music line-up, adding new names to perform alongside headliners such as Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette, and The Lumineers. The festival aims to deliver a diverse musical program that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Celebrating Americana at State Fayre

Bringing a taste of Americana to the UK, State Fayre 2026 promises a celebration of rock, country, and folk music. Inspired by American state fairs and tailgate parties, the festival aims to immerse attendees in a blend of contemporary and classic sounds, all within easy reach of London.

Redefining the Festival Experience

State Fayre organizers Anna-Sophie Mertens and Alex Simmonds envision an unforgettable weekend filled with good music, good food, and good times. The festival's unique fusion of music, culinary delights, and cultural elements sets it apart as a must-attend event for music and food enthusiasts alike.

A Glimpse into the Future

With the unveiling of The FUME Pit's line-up and the addition of new music acts, State Fayre 2026 promises a vibrant and engaging experience for attendees. The fusion of music, food, and culture creates a dynamic atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression on festival-goers.

With a headline music programme, internationally recognised barbecue experts and one of the UK's most ambitious live-fire food experiences, State Fayre is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive new festivals of 2026. Whether you're visiting for the music, the barbecue or both, The FUME Pit promises to be one of the standout attractions across the festival weekend.

Keep checking UK Festival Guides for the latest State Fayre news, artist announcements, ticket updates and festival information as the countdown to June continues